WHO Wade Morissette, certified Phoenix rising yoga therapist, viniyoga therapist, and instructor trained in classical ashtanga and vinyasa flow yoga. He has trained extensively in India and has taught and practiced yoga for 12 years.

QUICK TAKE “Phoenix rising yoga therapy (PRYT) is a body-oriented, non-diagnostic healing modality used to enhance awareness, release emotions, and allow one’s body to provide insight into one’s life,” says Morissette. Phoenix rising yoga therapy was started in 1986, and gets its name from the sacred bird in Greek mythology that symbolizes renewal and rebirth. “The phoenix flies into the flame, through the fire where it transforms, and then rises from its ashes into something stronger, more empowered,” says Morissette. “By being courageous with being present in the fire, one can rise and live from a new place of vitality, inner strength, and joy.”

HOW IT WORKS “Through assisted yoga postures and simple dialogue, the practitioner helps the client to “go within” and allow the body to “speak,” says Morissette. “This could include anything from thoughts, feelings, colours, images, and sounds.” He says that he chooses different postures for each person. “For example, if the client were to share that they were having a really stressful month and had lower back and shoulder tension, I would probably begin the session in the supported reclining posture.” Morissette says that benefits may include reduction of stress, release of emotion, self-empowerment, and greater clarity in living to full potential. “One could leave feeling a good stretch in the shoulders or having a profound life revelation and deep emotional release, with possible experiences anywhere in between,” he says.

MAINSTREAM VS. ALTERNATIVE “This type of yoga therapy is unique because it combines elements of yoga and ancient eastern teachings with modern psychotherapy,” says Morissette. “Although this work is not a substitute for deeper psychological work with a psychologist, it’s usually good for people doing some form of inner work and healing and wanting a more body-centered approach.” He says that Phoenix rising yoga offers no diagnosis, no remedy, and no advice. “PRYT offers a loving reflection and safety into one’s own being on all levels.”

MOST IMPORTANT POINT Morissette says that PRYT is not meant as a yoga class or as technical training for a hatha yoga practice. “In fact, one may not have any yoga experience at all and still participate fully.” He says that this yoga therapy is not meant to treat illness, injury, or disease, but is a way for people to listen to their body. Morissette also points out that “sometimes increasing awareness can bring up pain as well as joy, but once this awareness is accepted, that is when action and change can occur.”

PERSONAL FILE Morissette loves to sing and play the guitar, harmonium, piano, and djembe. He is also a huge fan of Kirtan chanting, and has a chanting CD, Sargam: Scales of Music. He leads monthly Kirtans in Vancouver, Victoria, Seattle, and will be heading a North American Lululemon Yoga and Kirtan pilgrimage next spring and summer. Morissette also teaches both hatha and power flow yoga classes at Semperviva Yoga Centre, and has recently completed a yoga DVD, Shiva Vinyasa Flow-Invigorate! He is working on a book entitled Yoga Sadhana: Bringing Yoga Into Your Modern Life. See www.wadeimremorissette.com [1] for more information. He can be reached at 604-733-3322.